Summary

In this conversation, Lew Cox, Senior Director of Business Development for X-Charge, discusses the benefits and implementation of microgrids and battery-integrated EV charging solutions. He explains that microgrids are localized communities of generation, storage, and distribution that provide self-sufficiency and grid support. Cox highlights the role of batteries in smoothing out peak loads and enabling grid independence. He also discusses the potential of vehicle-to-grid technology and the importance of profitability in EV charging projects. The conversation also touches on the North American Charging Standard and the impact of the Investment Tax Credit on battery-integrated projects. The conversation covers topics such as the challenges and opportunities of implementing solar and EV charging, the types of customers interested in EV charging infrastructure, the potential for commercial EV usage, the impact of DC fast charging on battery degradation, the future of the EV industry, and the cost and scalability of EV charging infrastructure.

Takeaways

• Microgrids are localized communities of generation, storage, and distribution that provide self-sufficiency and grid support.
• Batteries play a crucial role in smoothing out peak loads and enabling grid independence in microgrid systems.
• Vehicle-to-grid technology allows for the use of EV batteries as resources to support the grid and increase profitability.
• The North American Charging Standard and battery-integrated EV charging solutions offer more options and flexibility for EV charging infrastructure.
• The Investment Tax Credit (IRA) has had a positive impact on battery-integrated projects by reducing capital expenditure and increasing competitiveness. Price has been the main challenge for solar and EV charging implementations.
• Optimizing existing sites and adding solar, batteries, and technologies that work on 208V can increase profitability.
• Differentiating EV charging infrastructure for specific customer types, such as fleets and public services, is important.
• DC fast charging is not inherently harmful to EV batteries and degradation is minimal.
• Consolidation in the EV charging industry is necessary for long-term sustainability.
• The EV industry is here to stay and will continue to grow as prices become more affordable.
• Infrastructure deployment for EV charging is still catching up and requires collaboration with utilities.
• The scalability and cost of larger charging locations on the utility side is still a challenge.
• The future of EV charging includes future-proofing infrastructure and considering the charging capabilities of upcoming EV models.
• The conversation also touches on the aesthetics of Porsche vehicles and the challenges of connecting solar installations to the grid.

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Keywords

microgrids, battery-integrated EV charging, grid support, self-sufficiency, vehicle-to-grid, profitability, North American Charging Standard, Investment Tax Credit, solar, EV charging, challenges, opportunities, customers, commercial EV usage, DC fast charging, battery degradation, EV industry, scalability

In this episode we sit down with Steve Birkett, EV Educator and Founder of Plug and Play EV. We discuss everything from NEVI Funding to EV Road tripping and how far the technology has come in the past decade.

Summary

Steve Burkett, founder of Plug and Play EV, discusses his journey as an EV driver and content creator. He shares his experiences driving a Bolt EV in the Northeast, including the challenges of winter driving and charging infrastructure. Steve emphasizes the importance of educating potential EV buyers and offers various platforms for sharing information. He also discusses the changing perceptions of EVs and the need to address concerns about range and charging. The conversation then shifts to the topic of NEV funding and the progress of charging infrastructure development across different states. The conversation covers topics such as the importance of EV infrastructure and marketing, trends and highlights from the auto show, the impact of software on brand loyalty, and the challenges and opportunities for traditional automakers in the EV market.

Takeaways

• Driving an EV in the Northeast during winter can present challenges due to slower charging and reduced range.
• Educating potential EV buyers is crucial to address misconceptions and concerns about range and charging.
• NEV funding is driving the development of charging infrastructure across different states, with a focus on filling gaps along travel corridors.
• The implementation of charging infrastructure involves coordination with utilities and can be delayed by permitting and utility work.
• The perception of EVs is slowly changing, but there is still a need to address concerns and provide accurate information to potential buyers. EV infrastructure and marketing are crucial for EV adoption, and initiatives like the Chargeway Beacon and interactive road trip planners help build confidence in EV ownership.
• The auto show showcased a growing number of EVs, with notable reveals from Polestar and Kia. EV startups like Rivian are finding success by creating their own events and focusing on brand experience.
• Software plays a significant role in brand loyalty, as it allows for personalized and updated experiences. Traditional automakers need to prioritize software development to compete in the EV market.
• Traditional automakers have made missteps in the EV market, but there is still a lot of opportunity for growth and market share. Tesla remains the leader in EV adoption and market perception.
• The EV industry is still in its early stages, and there is much more to learn and develop in terms of technology, marketing, and customer experiences.

Keywords

EV, electric vehicles, Bolt EV, Northeast, winter driving, charging infrastructure, EV education, range anxiety, NEV funding, charging network, EV infrastructure, marketing, auto show, trends, brand loyalty, software, traditional automakers, challenges, opportunities

Summary

Rustam Kocher, a retired expert in the electric transportation space, shares his experiences and insights on the adoption of electric vehicles in the commercial trucking industry in this two part episode (check out episode 1 if you haven't already!). The conversation discusses the operational standpoint and capabilities of electric trucks, the generations of electric trucks and their development, and the design considerations for electric trucks. It also explores the advantages of starting with Gen 5 vehicles and Tesla's approach to electric truck development. The maintenance comparison between electric and combustion trucks, the reduction in maintenance costs for electric trucks, and the impact of electric trucks on chassis durability are discussed. The importance of charging infrastructure, certification and training for maintenance, and transitioning fleets to electric vehicles are also covered. This conversation explores various topics related to electric semis and their impact on the transportation industry. The discussion covers the flexibility of power distribution, the benefits of electric school buses, and the potential of vehicle-to-grid technology. It also delves into the disadvantages of hybrid trucks and the importance of considering total cost of ownership (TCO) when making fleet decisions. The conversation highlights the role of data in fleet management and the need for improved charging infrastructure and utility support.

Takeaways

• Electric trucks are becoming increasingly capable, and the major OEMs are working on developing more advanced generations of electric trucks.
• The design of electric trucks is evolving, with a focus on starting from a clean slate and optimizing the vehicle for electric powertrains.
• Electric trucks require less maintenance compared to combustion trucks, resulting in cost savings for fleet operators.
• The development of charging infrastructure is crucial for the widespread adoption of electric trucks, and partnerships are forming to accelerate the rollout of charging networks. Flexibility in power distribution is crucial for efficiently charging electric vehicles, especially in commercial fleets.
• Electric school buses offer lower emissions and the ability to store and provide power during peak demand periods.
• Vehicle-to-grid technology allows electric vehicles to contribute power back to the grid during times of high demand.
• Hybrid trucks are often seen as a suboptimal solution due to the challenges of integrating two drivetrains.
• Total cost of ownership (TCO) is a key factor in the adoption of electric vehicles, with electric delivery vans already proving to be TCO positive.
• Data plays a crucial role in optimizing charging infrastructure and managing fleet operations.
• Utilities need to adapt to the increased demand for power from electric vehicles and provide faster service to support electrification.
• Improved charging infrastructure and utility support are necessary to accelerate the adoption of electric semis.

Watch the full episode on Youtube

Also if you are looking to either buy a Tesla or even test drive one, feel free to use our referral code.

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